Good News Book Club
Julia's Hope
by Leisha Kelly
Buy book: $9.88
Like countless others in 1931, Samuel Wortham lost his job. And he lost his wife's inheritance, their home, and much of his self-respect. Samuel, his wife, Julia, and their two young children hitchhike from Pennsylvania to Illinois in hope of work. Caught on the road by a sudden storm, the Worthams take shelter in an abandoned farmhouse out of desperation.

I am reminded of "Grapes of wrath" and hope the events turn out to be good to everybody.

It's interesting to me that there really is a reason for the saying 'there is nothing new under the sun'. The story of this family is so familiar to me and others I know, that it seems uncanny.

I was pondering the fact that many times when one is in a negative situation like Julia and her family, the father is often perceived as a bad person for having made the choices he made, and is also treated like a failure. I hope that the story blesses and helps someone.

I am going to read the book and I know that it will have a good outcome. I think the book is a good read and I have enjoyed the writing style and the development of the characters. I look forward to finding out what comes next.

The story holds a special kind of "leading on"-different from that of fantasies, romances, or mysteries. I don't know how to really express it, but it keeps me reading on-realistic and though the story takes place at a time that is a bit far from nowadays, there are things that you can find that are not different from today's life. Though the situation in the story is "quite a while ago", the things that go on inside the family-their thoughts and feelings warm up to me-it doesn't seem unfamiliar.
The words-like a journal-makes it easier to understand what's happening. And somewhat more closer to the characters.
I want to buy this book, but do they sell this book in South Korea?

Moving and a page turner. You've heard stories like this, but this one speaks to my heart. If you have EVER seen the bottom of your barrel, you can relate to this family, no matter the time period they're in. The writing is vivid and I am sure to buy this book.

While this book does take place during the Depression, I found that I could relate quite easily to the characters and their situation. I felt great empathy for their plight. I think it's also very refreshing that the lead characters doubt their faith in each other. The book reads very smooth and does well in giving us the perspectives of Sam and Julia. It's nice to read and not get bombarded with fluff and a lot of "feel good" moments when they're dealing with life altering events.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What wild desires, what restless torments seize
The hapless man, who feels the book-disease..."
- Dr. John Ferriar (from the poem Bibliomania, 1863)